By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team
The Totoro bus stop isn’t enough to impress? A cute Totoro train has appeared at the Qidu Railway Park in Keelung, featuring four train carriages that showcase the Studio Ghibli character “Totoro Bus.” The front of the train is painted to resemble the Totoro Bus, while the body features characters from the anime “Kiki’s Delivery Service” and scenes of Totoro boarding the train — truly eye-catching.
A Totoro train appears at the Qidu Railway Park. (Image source / Taiwan Railway Press)
The train is painted with adorable cartoon characters. (Image source / Taiwan Railway Press)
The newly unveiled Totoro train was initiated by Qidu’s young local neighborhood chief, Chiu Chi-yen. Shortly after taking office, Chiu actively sought ways to promote the area, which led him to recall the Totoro bus stop that was once very popular at Keelung’s Zhongzheng Park. Thinking, why not bring a Totoro train here? With the support of local councilors, Chiu began collaborating with the mystery artist behind the Totoro bus stop paintings to create the Totoro train.
The Totoro bus mural at Keelung’s Zhongzheng Park. (Image provided / Lin I-lun)
The Totoro bus stop at Keelung’s Zhongzheng Park attracted many visitors. (Image provided / Lin I-lun)
The front of the train features the smiling face of Totoro from the cartoon “Totoro Bus” as it runs into the station. The body of the train also depicts scenes from Studio Ghibli’s “Kiki’s Delivery Service,” including the little witch flying on her broomstick and the curious black cat peeking out. The most adorable part is the corner showing baby Totoros preparing to board the train — a truly captivating sight. Chiu Chi-yen hopes that the Totoro train will add a new highlight to Qidu Train Station and encourage visitors to explore the area’s attractions. However, although the Totoro train quickly captured public attention after its unveiling, many netizens have raised questions about copyright authorization.
[Updated] January 9, 2016
After news of this attraction spread, it drew skepticism from many netizens and experts, who believe the display was exhibited without proper authorization. As a result, the neighborhood chief...Chiu Chi-yen decided to temporarily suspend the exhibit on the evening of January 8. Although many visitors were disappointed, the local neighborhood chief...Chiu Chi-yen shifted from the initial joy and excitement to a more subdued and somber mood, stating...he had learned something from the incident. There are many unauthorized tourist attractions in Taiwan, and similar cases warrant collective reflection and review.